Benton City Councilwoman Rita Dotson announced on Friday she will seek the office of mayor of Benton in 2014. Dotson has served three terms on the council, first taking the post in 2007.

Dotson will oppose incumbent Steve Cary who last week confirmed he will seek re-election to the post he has held for two terms.

“I want to be a full-time mayor,” Dotson said. “Benton is growing and we need to be prepared. We need to look at some incentives to bring in more development and look at other cities that are growing to see what they are doing.”

Dotson said she sees a number of improvements that could be made in the city, most notably in H.H. Lovett Park. She cited an increased emphasis on seeking grants as a source of funding improvements to the city’s amenities.

“The park needs a considerable amount of work and there are also improvements that need to be made on sidewalks and streets. I see so many things that we could improve on. After eight years on the council I believe I can bring some valuable experience to the mayor’s office.”

Dotson said if elected she will maintain an open door policy for residents of Benton and city employees. “I will treat the people like I would want to be treated and be the best mayor I can possibly be,” she said.

Dotson and her husband Doug have two children, Krista and Tyler, and two grandchildren. They own Champion Auto Mart in Benton.

Candidates for all county posts in the 2014 election have until Jan. 28 to file. County clerk Tim York said he expects to see a flurry of activity in his office beginning Jan. 2, with many candidates delaying filing until after the new year to avoid double paperwork with the Registry of Election Finance.